The Basque region of Spain has sprouted talented footballing names across the years, and on Saturday, September 30, 2023, the Premier League is set to witness two gladiators from that region battle.
Mikel Arteta takes his Arsenal side to the Vitality Stadium, to trade tackles with childhood friend Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
They were born in 1982, a few months apart, with Iraola born in June, while Arteta was born in March.
Both players played for Antiguoko, a Spanish amateur club in San Sebastian. Legendary midfielder Xabi Alonso also played for the club.
Top football brains like Julen Lopetegui, Unai Emery, and Juanma Lillo – Pep Guardiola’s assistant, amongst others are notable names of individuals who hail from the region.
Mikel Arteta speaks on top football stars hailing from the northern part of San Sebastian
Speaking on the X factor with the northern Spanish region of San Sebastian, and how it has managed to produce incredible names in the world of football, Mikel Arteta said: “It’s the food! We have the best food in the world in San Sebastian, the best restaurants per square meter, and the most beautiful city.”
Arteta noted that the city of San Sebastian is a hub of football, emphasizing the quality of education they receive.
The 41-year-old said: “It has to be linked with that because the quality of life in our city is incredible — the education we get, the way we look after our city, and the passion for football that you can breathe everywhere you go.”
The Spaniard also attributed the talents that are produced by the City, to the care that clubs in the northern region of Spain give to their “academy players”.
He said: “In the region you have Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar. All those teams really take care of their academy players.
“They do great work to raise talent and it’s not a coincidence that a lot of players have come through from that area.”
Speaking on the clash with Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta shared his delight at meeting with his old pal.
The former Everton man said: “And 30 years later here’s Andoni and me together in the Premier League and I’m really happy for that.”
Arteta represented several clubs during his career, including; Barcelona, Rangers, Everton, and Arsenal.
Andoni Iraola played for only a few clubs during his career, including; Athletic Bilbao, and New York City.
Andoni Iraola speaking on facing Mikel Arteta
The pair are squaring up against each other for the first time in their managerial career and Andoni said that he never thought it would become a reality.
“I never thought this would happen when we were players.
“It’s the first time we are going to face each other for how many years I don’t know but it will be very nice.”
Arsenal sit 5th on the Premier League table, still unbeaten after 6 matches, and they have amassed 14 points.
Bournemouth sit 17th on the league table, with 3 points from 6 matches, and they are just 2 points away from the relegation zone.
Mikel Arteta’s side defeated the Cherries in both legs last season, with Arsenal winning 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium, and 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s style of play:
Arteta emphasizes the need for control, effective and quick transitional play, to punish the opponents when out of shape.
He also loves his team to be dangerous in the wide areas of the field, creating chances and giving his wingers the freedom to score.
Andoni Iraola’s style of play:
The Spaniard loves to play high-octane football, and he stresses the need for positional play, and strategically catching teams out of guard and bombarding specific areas of the field.
